ZURICH: World football federation FIFA has warned African champions Nigeria of international suspension for violation of its statutes forbidding political intervention.

The Nigerian government has been given until Tuesday to reinstate the Nigeria Football Federation executive committee after it was dissolved by state order after the World Cup second round exit.

A sole administrator has been appointed by the government pending legal proceedings against NFF directors. NFF president Aminu Maigari was arrested upon his return from the World Cup.

FIFA, in a statement, said: “FIFA will not recognise any person or organ not elected in compliance with the NFF statutes and therefore it will not consider the appointment made by the Minister of Sports.

“FIFA has reminded the NFF that all FIFA member associations have to manage their affairs independently and without influence of any third parties as clearly stipulated in . . . the FIFA Statutes. The above mentioned actions are preventing the NFF from managing its affairs independently and are considered by FIFA as undue interference in the NFF affairs.

“The NFF has been asked to relay FIFA’s position to the relevant authorities and inform them that if the aforementioned NFF officials are not fully reinstated by Tuesday 8 July 2014 the case will be referred to the appropriate FIFA bodies for sanctions, including the potential suspension of the NFF.”

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